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Letters: January 2

I read with shock and dismay yours as well as the Inquirer’s coverage of the vandalism that occurred at the new Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting House. I am not a Quaker and my exposure to them comes only through my children attending Greene Street Friends as well as Penn Charter, but I feel empathy towards them. We as a community and a city cannot stand by and tolerate this type of behavior. Though the police believe this was done by union types not pleased with the fact they did not get the work for this project, I do not think it is necessary to jump to conclusions. Though the culprits seemed to want people to know who was responsible since they did not hide their expertise in sabotage.

I believe the Local as well as others should call for an intense investigation of this incident. I do believe our police have the resources or skill to do this. I would hope federal authorities, namely the FBI and the US Attorneys Office would conduct this investigation because it is a Hate Crime. I would also hope the local media would put our local elected officials on the spot to denounce this act and call for the federal government to become involved. Namely, Mayor Nutter, Councilpersons Bass and Green, as well as Congressman Bob Brady. Many politicians in our city have won office with the support of the same people who the police believe are responsible for this crime. These elected officials must stand up and say this is not acceptable and ask their political allies to cooperate in any investigation, so as to clear the names of their unions or find the people responsible for this act.

Our politicians must decide whether they are going to condone lawlessness around construction sites or be beacons for civil behavior and process. The choice is theirs to make.

Robert Howell

Chestnut Hill

I’d support 2nd amendment repeal

In the Thursday, December 27 Letters to the Editor, I am in total agreement with Howard Field and Brian Rudnick. When the 18th amendment on prohibition proved to be a mistake, it was repealed. Why not the Second?

Joseph Ferry seems to feel that if Mr. Byers, who was stabbed in the area of the convenience store on Highland Avenue had a gun, he would be alive today. Attackers usually approach from behind. In that case, the victim is surprised and thrown off balance emotionally and possibly physically. By the time the victim can pull out his gun, assuming he can reach it, he is at a disadvantage. If a struggle ensues, the attacker, likely younger and quicker has the advantage. In my vision, I see the attacker getting what he came for with a bonus … a gun making his next encounter easier.

Many years ago, my neighbor, recently widowed was robbed when she was not at home. “They didn’t take much but John’s gun which he never used.” “Well,” I replied, “it will get use now.”

I pay taxes. I’m perfectly willing to leave security and prevention to the police. They’re the professionals.

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